Integrated Analysis of microRNA Expression, Lymphocyte Counts, and Metabolic Parameters in Obese Individuals

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and immune system dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate hematological and metabolic parameters, as well as microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles associated with lymphocyte alterations, in order to elucidate obesity-specific immune-metabolic interactions. A total of 50 individuals with obesity and 25 healthy controls were included in the study. miRNA expression levels were determined using the Fluidigm BioMark RT-PCR system. The obtained data were analyzed in relation to lymphocyte count, lipid profile parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and body mass index (BMI). In the analysis of lymphocyte-associated miRNA expression, hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-199a-3p expression levels were significantly decreased in individuals with obesity compared with the control group (p < 0.0045 and p < 0.0063, respectively), whereas hsa-miR-155-3p expression was significantly increased (p < 0.0484). Analyses based on BMI revealed significant associations with the expression levels of hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-143-3p (p < 0.0321 and p < 0.0116, respectively). In addition, significant positive associations were detected between triglyceride levels and the expression of hsa-miR-424-3p and hsa-miR-375-3p (p < 0.0419 and p < 0.0302, respectively). Alterations in miRNA expression associated with lymphocyte parameters may represent an important component of obesity pathophysiology. These findings suggest that miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in obesity.